Watson History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Origins Available:
England
Scotland
Ireland

Etymology of Watson

What does the name Watson mean?

Watson is an ancient Anglo-Saxon name that is derived from Wat, which is a diminutive form of Walter. This Old German name, which literally means mighty army, was introduced into England during the reign of Edward the Confessor and became one of the most popular personal names in that country following the Norman Conquest of 1066. The surname also features the suffix -son, which superseded other patronymic suffixes in popularity during the 14th century and was most popular in the north of England.

Early Origins of the Watson family

The surname Watson was first found in the county of Rutland, where they were Lords of the manor of Rockingham, from ancient times. This was home to "a castle was erected by William I., on the summit of a hill, for the protection of the extensive iron-works at that time carried on in the adjacent woodlands. During the war in the reign of Charles I., the castle was garrisoned for the king by Sir Lewis Watson, afterwards created Lord Rockingham, and was besieged by the parliamentarian forces, who at the same time destroyed the tower and part of the nave of the church: the only remains of the castle are the two massive bastions that defended the entrance gateway." 1

Early History of the Watson family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Watson research. Another 136 words (10 lines of text) covering the years 1392, 1450, 1493, 1593, 1600, 1601, 1617, 1620, 1630, 1637, 1659, 1660, 1683, 1685, 1686, 1687, 1699, 1710, 1717, 1722 and 1890 are included under the topic Early Watson History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Watson Spelling Variations

Watson has been spelled many different ways. Before English spelling became standardized over the last few hundred years, spelling variations in names were a common occurrence. As the English language changed in the Middle Ages, absorbing pieces of Latin and French, as well as other languages, the spelling of people's names also changed considerably, even over a single lifetime. Many variations of the name Watson have been found, including Wattson, Walterson, MacWattie and others.

Early Notables of the Watson family

Distinguished members of the family include

Earl of Rockingham; Thomas Watson (c. 1620-1686), an English, Nonconformist, Puritan preacher and author; Daniel Watson (c 1617-1683), an English lawyer and politician, Member of Parliament for Lichfi...

Watson World Ranking

In the United States, the name Watson is the 72^nd most popular surname with an estimated 256,161 people with that name. 2 However, in Canada, the name Watson is ranked the 81^st most popular surname with an estimated 31,068 people with that name. 3 And in Australia, the name Watson is the 40^th popular surname with an estimated 44,799 people with that name. 4 New Zealand ranks Watson as 27^th with 5,777 people. 5 The United Kingdom ranks Watson as 35^th with 96,302 people. 6 South Africa ranks Watson as 783^rd with 8,812 people. 7

Migration of the Watson family to Ireland

Some of the Watson family moved to Ireland, but this topic is not covered in this excerpt.
Another 90 words (6 lines of text) about their life in Ireland is included in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Watson migration to the United States +

In an attempt to escape the chaos experienced in England, many English families boarded overcrowded and diseased ships sailing for the shores of North America and other British colonies. Those families hardy enough, and lucky enough, to make the passage intact were rewarded with land and a social environment less prone to religious and political persecution. Many of these families became important contributors to the young colonies in which they settled. Early immigration and passenger lists have documented some of the first Watsons to arrive on North American shores:

Watson Settlers in United States in the 17th Century

John Watson who settled in Virginia in 1620 aboard the ship "William and Thomas"
James Watson, aged 20, who landed in Virginia in 1623 aboard the ship "George" 8
Mr. John Watson, aged 24, who arrived in Virginia in 1624 aboard the ship "Swan" 8
George Watson, who arrived in Plymouth, Massachusetts in 1631 9
Mr. John Watson, who arrived in Boston, Massachusetts in 1632 aboard the ship "Lyon" 8
... (More are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)

Watson Settlers in United States in the 18th Century

Anna Watson, who arrived in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania in 1701 9
Charles Watson, who landed in New England in 1711 9
George Watson, who settled in Georgia in 1775 with his wife and four children
Andrew Watson, aged 21, who arrived in Georgia in 1775 9
Ann Watson, who landed in Pennsylvania in 1776 9
... (More are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)

Watson Settlers in United States in the 19th Century

Daniel Watson, aged 35, who landed in North Carolina in 1812 9
Mrs. Jeannette Watson, aged 29, Scottish settler who arrived in New Orleans aboard the ship "Isaac Newton" on 2nd December 1840
Mr. Thomas Watson, aged 37, Scottish merchant who arrived in New Orleans aboard the ship "Isaac Newton" on 2nd December 1840
Miss Jane Watson, aged 19, British settler who arrived in New York aboard the ship "Rochester" on 20th May 1841
Mr. William Watson, aged 21, British moulder who arrived in New York aboard the ship "Rochester" on 20th May 1841
... (More are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)

Watson Settlers in United States in the 20th Century

Mrs. Ann Watson, aged 33, British settler who arrived in New York aboard the ship "Cynosure" in 1863
Mr. William Watson, aged 37, British settler who arrived in New York aboard the ship "Cynosure" in 1863
Mr. William Watson, aged 11, British settler who arrived in New York aboard the ship "Cynosure" in 1863
Miss Barbara Watson, aged 5, British settler who arrived in New York aboard the ship "Cynosure" in 1863
Miss Francis Watson, Infant, British settler who arrived in New York aboard the ship "Cynosure" in 1863
... (More are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)

Watson migration to Canada +

Some of the first settlers of this family name were:

Watson Settlers in Canada in the 18th Century

Henry Watson, who landed in Nova Scotia in 1749
Brooks Watson, who landed in Nova Scotia in 1750
Francis Watson, aged 18, who landed in Fort Cumberland, Nova Scotia in 1775
Mr. Alexander Watson U.E. who settled in Canada c. 1784 10
Mr. John Watson U.E. (b. 1747) born in New York, USA who settled in Carleton [Saint John City], New Brunswick c. 1784 he died in 1846 10

Watson Settlers in Canada in the 19th Century

Margaret Watson, aged 16, who arrived in Saint John, New Brunswick aboard the ship "Salus" in 1833
James Watson, aged 3, who arrived in Saint John, New Brunswick aboard the ship "Salus" in 1833
Rick Watson, aged 2, who arrived in Saint John, New Brunswick aboard the ship "Salus" in 1833
James Watson, aged 18, who arrived in Saint John, New Brunswick aboard the ship "Ranger" in 1834
John Watson, aged 17, who arrived in Saint John, New Brunswick aboard the ship "Ranger" in 1834
... (More are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)

Watson migration to Australia +

Emigration to Australia followed the First Fleets of convicts, tradespeople and early settlers. Early immigrants include:

Watson Settlers in Australia in the 19th Century

Mr. John Watson, British Convict who was convicted in York, Yorkshire, England for life, transported aboard the "Earl Cornwallis" in August 1800, arriving in New South Wales, Australia 11
Mr. Thomas Watson, English convict who was convicted in London, England for 7 years, transported aboard the "Duke of Portland" in January 1807, arriving in New South Wales, Australia 12
James Watson, English convict from York, who was transported aboard the "Ann" on August 1809, settling in New South Wales, Australia 13
Richard Watson, English convict from Lancaster, who was transported aboard the "Ann" on August 1809, settling in New South Wales, Australia 13
Mr. John Watson, English convict who was convicted in West Riding, Yorkshire, England for 7 years, transported aboard the "Elizabeth" in May 1816, arriving in New South Wales, Australia 14
... (More are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)

Watson migration to New Zealand +

Emigration to New Zealand followed in the footsteps of the European explorers, such as Captain Cook (1769-70): first came sealers, whalers, missionaries, and traders. By 1838, the British New Zealand Company had begun buying land from the Maori tribes, and selling it to settlers, and, after the Treaty of Waitangi in 1840, many British families set out on the arduous six month journey from Britain to Aotearoa to start a new life. Early immigrants include:

Watson Settlers in New Zealand in the 19th Century

Captain Watson, Australian settler travelling from Sydney aboard the ship "Diana" arriving in Auckland, New Zealand on 11th July 1840 15
Mr. Watson, British settler travelling from London aboard the ship "Harrington" arriving in Wellington, New Zealand on 15th June 1841 15
T. H. Watson, who arrived in Wellington, New Zealand aboard the ship "Harrington" in 1841 16
Louisa Watson, who arrived in Port Nicholson aboard the ship "Jane" in 1841 17
James Watson, who landed in Auckland, New Zealand in 1841
... (More are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)

Watson migration to West Indies +

The British first settled the British West Indies around 1604. They made many attempts but failed in some to establish settlements on the Islands including Saint Lucia and Grenada. By 1627 they had managed to establish settlements on St. Kitts (St. Christopher) and Barbados, but by 1641 the Spanish had moved in and destroyed some of these including those at Providence Island. The British continued to expand the settlements including setting the First Federation in the British West Indies by 1674; some of the islands include Barbados, Bermuda, Cayman Island, Turks and Caicos, Jamaica and Belize then known as British Honduras. By the 1960's many of the islands became independent after the West Indies Federation which existed from 1958 to 1962 failed due to internal political conflicts. After this a number of Eastern Caribbean islands formed a free association. 18

Watson Settlers in West Indies in the 17th Century

Mr. Nicholas Watson, (b. 1609), aged 26, British settler travelling from London, England aboard the ship "Alexander" arriving in Barbados in 1635 19
Mr. Christopher Watson, (b. 1614), aged 21, British settler traveling aboard the ship "Matthew" arriving in St Christopher (Saint Kitts) in 1635 20
Mr. Abram Watson, (b. 1616), aged 19, British settler traveling aboard the ship "Paul of London" arriving in St Christopher (Saint Kitts) in 1635 20
Mr. Thomas Watson, (b. 1606), aged 29, British settler traveling aboard the ship "Paul of London" arriving in St Christopher (Saint Kitts) in 1635 20

Contemporary Notables of the name Watson (post 1700) +

Thomas John Watson Jr. (1914-1993), President of IBM from 1952-1971 and recipient of the Presidential Medal of Freedom
John Christian Watson (1867-1941), Australian politician, third Prime Minister of Australia in 1904
Emma Charlotte Duerre Watson (b. 1990), English actress and model, best known for her role as Hermione Granger in the Harry Potter film series
Patty Jo Watson (1932-2024), American archaeologist noted for her work on Pre-Columbian Native Americans, especially in the Mammoth Cave region of Kentucky
JoAnn Watson (1951-2023), American pastor, media personality and Detroit city councilor, on-air personality for 910 AM Superstation/WFDF and Comcast Channel 91 WHPR
Johnny Ace "John" Watson (1949-2022), American football offensive lineman who played nine seasons in the NFL for the San Francisco 49ers and New Orleans Saints (1971-1979)
Howard N. Watson (1929-2022), American artist from Pottsville, Pennsylvania, known for his watercolor painting
Jack Crozier Watson (1928-2022), American jurist, Justice of the Louisiana Supreme Court from 1979 to 1996
Erica Faye Watson (1973-2021), American actress, comedian and writer, best known for her roles in Precious and Chi-Raq; she died of complications from COVID-19 in Jamaica
Robert José "Bob" Watson (1946-2020), American professional baseball player and sports executive
... (Another 48 notables are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)

Historic Events for the Watson family +

Air New Zealand Flight 901

Mrs. Isobel Watson (1914-1979), New Zealander passenger, from Mt. Albert, North Island, New Zealand aboard the Air New Zealand Flight 901 for an Antarctic sightseeing flight when it flew into Mount Erebus; she died in the crash 21
Miss Katerine Watson (1915-1979), New Zealander passenger, from Wellington, North Island, New Zealand aboard the Air New Zealand Flight 901 for an Antarctic sightseeing flight when it flew into Mount Erebus; she died in the crash 21

Empress of Ireland

Mrs. Eliza Edith Watson (1871-1914), Canadian Third Class Passenger from Toronto, Ontario, Canada who was traveling aboard the Empress of Ireland and died in the sinking 22

Flight TWA 800

Ms. Jill Victoria Watson (1964-1996), from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA, American architect flying aboard Flight TWA 800 from J.F.K. Airport, New York to Leonardo da Vinci Airport, Rome when the plane crashed after takeoff ; she died in the crash 23
Miss. Jacqueline Alexis Watson (1978-1996), from Montoursville, Pennsylvania, USA, American student from Montoursville flying aboard flight TWA 800 from J.F.K. Airport, New York to Leonardo da Vinci Airport, Rome when the plane crashed after takeoff ; she died in the crash 23

Halifax Explosion

Miss Alice Watson (1912-1917), Canadian resident from Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada who died in the Halifax Explosion (1917) 24
Mr. William R Watson (1877-1917), Canadian resident from Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada who died in the Halifax Explosion (1917) 24
Mr. Robert Watson, Canadian resident from Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada who died in the Halifax Explosion (1917) 24
Mr. Jack Watson (1898-1917), Canadian resident from Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada who died in the Halifax Explosion (1917) 24
Mr. Edward Watson (1899-1917), Canadian resident from Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada who died in the Halifax Explosion (1917) 24

HMS Hood

Mr. Robert Watson (b. 1920), Irish Able Seaman serving for the Royal Navy Volunteer Reserve from Belfast, County Antrim, Ireland, who sailed into battle and died in the HMS Hood sinking 25
Mr. Alexander Watson (b. 1919), Scottish Able Seaman serving for the Royal Navy Reserve from Cromarty, Ross-shire, Scotland, who sailed into battle and died in the HMS Hood sinking 25
Mr. John C Watson (b. 1913), English Able Seaman serving for the Royal Navy from Portsmouth, Hampshire, England, who sailed into battle and died in the HMS Hood sinking 25
Mr. Harry Watson (b. 1904), English Chief Stoker serving for the Royal Navy from Grantham, Lincolnshire, England, who sailed into battle and died in the HMS Hood sinking 25

HMS Prince of Wales

Mr. Percy Watson, British Able Seaman, who sailed into battle on the HMS Prince of Wales (1941) and survived the sinking 26
Mr. A W Watson, British Lieutenant (E), who sailed into battle on the HMS Prince of Wales (1941) and survived the sinking 26

HMS Repulse

Mr. Rennie Watson, British Coder, who sailed into battle on the HMS Repulse (1941) and survived the sinking 27
Mr. John Louie Colclough Watson, British Midshipman "S", who sailed into battle on the HMS Repulse (1941) and died in the sinking 27
Mr. Sidney Watson, "Geordie" English Petty Officer Gunner from Newcastle, England, who sailed into battle on the HMS Repulse (1941) and survived the sinking 27

HMS Royal Oak

William Watson (1913-1939), British Leading Stoker with the Royal Navy aboard the HMS Royal Oak (1939) when she was torpedoed by U-47 and sunk; he died in the sinking 28
Reginald Hugh Watson (1919-1939), British Able Seaman with the Royal Navy aboard the HMS Royal Oak (1939) when she was torpedoed by U-47 and sunk; he died in the sinking 28
James Watson (d. 1939), British Stoker 1st Class with the Royal Navy aboard the HMS Royal Oak (1939) when she was torpedoed by U-47 and sunk; he died in the sinking 28
George Watson (d. 1939), British Seaman with the Royal Navy aboard the HMS Royal Oak (1939) when she was torpedoed by U-47 and sunk; he died in the sinking 28

Lady of the Lake

Mr. William Watson (b. 1813), Irish labourer from Strabane, Northern Ireland who sailed aboard the "Lady of the Lake" from Greenock, Scotland on 8th April 1833 to Quebec, Canada when the ship hit ice and sunk of the coast of Newfoundland on the 11th May 1833 and he died in the sinking

RMS Lusitania

Mrs. Kate Watson, Canadian 3rd Class passenger from Seaforth, Canada, who sailed aboard the RMS Lusitania (1915) and died in the sinking 29
Mrs. Katherine Watson, English 1st Class Passenger from England, who sailed aboard the RMS Lusitania (1915) and died in the sinking 29

RMS Titanic

Mr. Ennis Hastings Watson (d. 1912), aged 15, Irish Electrician's Apprentice from Belfast, Ireland who worked aboard the RMS Titanic and died in the sinking 30
Mr. W. Watson (d. 1912), aged 27, English Fireman/Stoker from Southampton, Hampshire who worked aboard the RMS Titanic and died in the sinking 30

SS Atlantic

John Watson, who was traveling aboard the ship "SS Atlantic" when it struck rocks off Nova Scotia in 1873, died in the sinking

SS Caribou

Mr. Raymond Watson, British passenger who was Royal Air Force was travelling aboard the railway ferry "SS Caribou" when it was struck by a German submarine torpedo on 14th October 1942, the most significant sinking in Canadian waters at that time, he died in the sinking

USS Arizona

Mr. Howard L. Watson, American Boatswain's Mate First Class working aboard the ship "USS Arizona" when she sunk during the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor on 7th December 1941, he survived the sinking 31
Mr. William Lafayette Watson, American Fireman Third Class from Florida, USA working aboard the ship "USS Arizona" when she sunk during the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor on 7th December 1941, he died in the sinking 31

USS Indianapolis

Winston Harl Watson, American crew member on board the ship "USS Indianapolis" when she was on a top secret trip for the first nuclear weapon, she was sunk by Japanese Navy on 30th July 1945, he was one of the many who were killed in the sinking due to exposure, dehydration, saltwater poisoning and shark attacks 32

Vimy Ridge

Frank Watson (1890-1917), Canadian sheet metal worker, Private in the 44th Battalion from Manitoba who died at Vimy Ridge May 1917
Walter J. Watson (1880-1917), Canadian engineer, Private in the 44th Battalion from Manitoba who died at Vimy Ridge February 1917

Winter Quarters coal mine

Mr. Alfred E. Watson (b. 1868), English coal miner residing in Eureka, Utah who worked in the Winter Quarters coal mine on 1st May 1900, when 10 of the 25lb kegs of black powder exploded; he died in the explosion 33

The Watson Motto +

The motto was originally a war cry or slogan. Mottoes first began to be shown with arms in the 14th and 15th centuries, but were not in general use until the 17th century. Thus the oldest coats of arms generally do not include a motto. Mottoes seldom form part of the grant of arms: Under most heraldic authorities, a motto is an optional component of the coat of arms, and can be added to or changed at will; many families have chosen not to display a motto.

Motto: Mea gloria fides
Motto Translation: Fidelity is my glory.

Sources +

Lewis, Samuel, A Topographical Dictionary of England. Institute of Historical Research, 1848, Print.
"What are the 5,000 Most Common Last Names in the U.S.?". NameCensus.com, https://namecensus.com/last-names/
"Surnames Meanings, Origins & Distribution Maps - Forebears." Forebears, https://forebears.io/surnames
"Most Common Last Names in Australia." Forebears, https://forebears.io/australia/surnames
"Most Common Last Names in New Zealand." Forebears, https://forebears.io/new-zealand/surnames
"UK surname ranking." UK Surname map, https://www.surnamemap.eu/unitedkingdom/surnames_ranking.php?p=10
"Most Common Last Names in South Africa." Forebears, https://forebears.io/south-africa/surnames
Pilgrim Ship's of 1600's Retrieved January 6th 2023, retrieved from https://www.packrat-pro.com/ships/shiplist.htm
Filby, P. William, Meyer, Mary K., Passenger and immigration lists index : a guide to published arrival records of about 500,000 passengers who came to the United States and Canada in the seventeenth, eighteenth, and nineteenth centuries. 1982-1985 Cumulated Supplements in Four Volumes Detroit, Mich. : Gale Research Co., 1985, Print (ISBN 0-8103-1795-8)
Rubincam, Milton. The Old United Empire Loyalists List. Genealogical Publishing Co., Inc, 1976. (Originally published as; United Empire Loyalists. The Centennial of the Settlement of Upper Canada. Rose Publishing Company, 1885.) ISBN 0-8063-0331-X
Convict Records Voyages to Australia (Retrieved 13th August 2021). Retrieved from https://convictrecords.com.au/ships/earl-cornwallis
Convict Records Voyages to Australia (Retrieved 28th July 2021). Retrieved from https://convictrecords.com.au/ships/duke-of-portland
State Library of Queensland. (Retrieved 2016, October 27) Ann voyage to New South Wales, Australia in 1809 with 200 passengers. Retrieved from http://www.convictrecords.com.au/ships/ann/1809
Convict Records Voyages to Australia (Retrieved 1st March 2022). Retrieved from https://convictrecords.com.au/ships/elizabeth
New Zealand Yesteryears Passenger Lists 1800 to 1900 (Retrieved 17th October 2018). Retrieved from http://www.yesteryears.co.nz/shipping/passlist.html
New Zealand Yesteryears Passenger Lists 1800 to 1900 (Retrieved 12th December 2018). Retrieved from http://www.yesteryears.co.nz/shipping/passlist.html
New Zealand Yesteryears Passenger Lists 1800 to 1900 (New Zealand Yesteryears Passenger Lists 1800 to 1900 (Retrieved 17th October 2018). Retrieved from http://www.yesteryears.co.nz/shipping/passlist.html
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/British_West_Indies
Pilgrim Ship Lists Early 1600's retrieved 28th September 2021 from https://www.packrat-pro.com/ships/shiplist.htm
Pilgrim Ship's of 1600's (Retrieved October 4th 2021 from https://www.packrat-pro.com/ships/shiplist.htm
Mount Erebus, Memorial, Roll of Remembrance (Retrieved 2018, February 21st). Retrieved from http://www.erebus.co.nz/memorialandawards/rollofremembrance.aspx
Commemoration Empress of Ireland 2014. (Retrieved 2014, June 17) . Retrieved from http://www.empress2014.ca/seclangen/listepsc1.html
The Washington Post Passenger List TWA Flight 800. (Retrieved 2018, February 15th). Retrieved from https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-srv/national/longterm/twa800/list01.htm
Halifax Explosion Book of Remembrance | Maritime Museum of the Atlantic. (Retrieved 2014, June 23) . Retrieved from https://maritimemuseum.novascotia.ca/what-see-do/halifax-explosion/halifax-explosion-book-remembrance
H.M.S. Hood Association-Battle Cruiser Hood: Crew Information - H.M.S. Hood Rolls of Honour, Men Lost in the Sinking of H.M.S. Hood, 24th May 1941. (Retrieved 2016, July 15) . Retrieved from http://www.hmshood.com/crew/memorial/roh_24may41.htm
HMS Prince of Wales Crew members. (Retrieved 2014, April 9) . Retrieved from http://www.forcez-survivors.org.uk/biographies/listprincecrew.html
HMS Repulse Crew members. (Retrieved 2014, April 9) . Retrieved from http://www.forcez-survivors.org.uk/biographies/listrepulsecrew.html
Ships hit by U-boats crew list HMS Royal Oak (08) - (Retrieved 2018 February, 9th) - retrieved from https://uboat.net/allies/merchants/crews/ship68.html
Lusitania Passenger List - The Lusitania Resource. (Retrieved 2014, March 6) . Retrieved from http://www.rmslusitania.info/lusitania-passenger-list/
Titanic Passenger List - Titanic Facts. (Retrieved 2016, July 13) . Retrieved from http://www.titanicfacts.net/titanic-passenger-list.html
Pearl Harbour: USS Arizona Casualties List Pearl Harbour December 7, 1941. (Retrieved 2018, July 31st). Retrieved from http://pearl-harbor.com/arizona/casualtylist.html
Final Crew List, retrieved 2021, October 30th Retrieved from https://www.ussindianapolis.com/final-crew
Miners killed in Winter Quarters (retrieved 28th July 2021). Retrieved from http://www.carbon-utgenweb.com/miners.html